Welcome to the Consumerist Archives

Thanks for visiting Consumerist.com. As of October 2017, Consumerist is no longer producing new content, but feel free to browse through our archives. Here you can find 12 years worth of articles on everything from how to avoid dodgy scams to writing an effective complaint letter. Check out some of our greatest hits below, explore the categories listed on the left-hand side of the page, or head to CR.org for ratings, reviews, and consumer news.

This is one ring you won’t treasure. A new scam is targeting the curiosity of consumers and the Better Business Bureau wants to remind you that curiosity killed the cat — or in this case ran up his cell phone bill with excessive charges.

The scam uses a computer to send thousands of calls to random cell phone numbers. The call rings once, and then disconnects. When a victim calls the number back, they’re charged $19.95 for an international call and $9 per minute for the duration of the call. The charges then appear on the victim’s monthly cell phone bill.

“As of yet, we have not had any complaints filed but given how rapidly this scam is spreading and growing across the country our opinion is it won’t be long.” Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, said in the warning.

The BBB advises cell phone users who believe they have been targeted to notify their cell phone provider.

Victims have noticed an unexplained charge of $9.84 from an unfamiliar website on their credit card statements.

The BBB reports scammers are charging stolen credit card numbers with the expectation that many cardholders won’t notice the relatively small charge, and credit card companies won’t go after such a minor sum.

While the charge seems small, scammers will likely be back for more. the BBB warns. Victims are urged to call their bank to report the charges and request a new credit card.